I am in a beautiful mood, as today was another day of strong prayer of how God makes the impossible possible and strong testimonies from fellow members. Additionally, five people were baptised (3 adults and 2 teens) in the small pool set up in the lobby. I have attended all the baptisms since January and I am always strongly moved by them. This time, I provided strawberries and chocolates as my baptismal gift to them and left feeling very uplifted, even more than usual. I am preparing to "take the plunge", so to speak, myself so I have been praying and reading more about baptism from the Bible and other sources.
Scripture reading:
Nothing is impossible for God!
Hebrews Chap 11:6 and 1 Kings Chap. 17: 7-16
Here's a link to the church's web site:
http://www.livingfaith.org/
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
It's Palm Sunday!
I've finally found a church home! It's called Living Faith and it is an evangelical church full of blessed pastors and people. I've been attending twice a week since before the New Year and have not missed a Sunday service since. The pastors are available 7 days a week for counseling and strong prayer. It's so nice to fellowship with fellow Christians.
God is great!
God is great!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
It's An Earthquake!
2008
GOD be Praised!!!!!! I just discovered that earthquakes are scarier than forest fires! I'm okay but a bit shaken (lol). I have never seen a building shake this way and it was only a 5.8 on Richter scale. I was listening to gospel music and praying by my front door when it happened... how appropriate because all I could say when it happened was:
First Shake:"Who's jumping upstairs...?"
Second Shake:"Sweet Jesus? Is it....!?" I stand in the doorway just in case (safer? I don't know).
Third Shake and roll:"Sweet Jesus! --This is an earthquake!!!!"
Fourth Shake and sustained roll!!!... loud rumble. The building sways noticeably 2-3 inches to the left and right. I get a surreal feeling...
I scream in my mind, "SWEET JESUS!!!!! HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!" Then I grabbed my passport, purse and keys and grabbed a t-shirt (I've kept all these by my exit since the forest fires) and ran out! I'm on the first floor with 3 stories above me and a 2 level of parking garages below. The building is built on different levels so I am on the ground level on the back of the building. I thought of climbing over my back porch but it was too high so I had to run through a long corridor to an open patio where a few people were gathered. The patio is out in the open but it is still 2 stories up in the front of the building and I wanted out! I walk down the stairs and exit to the outside.
A few people (newly relocated from the east coast and foreigners) were outside waiting to see if there would be any after-shocks. Apparently there has been 27 aftershocks but, thankfully, I didn't feel any. I stayed outside for a while praying just to be sure. I didn't go in until everyone else went back in... including a 3-4 month old baby. I felt like a foolish, faith-less scared cat. The native Californians didn't even evacuate! They said "this is nothing ...wait until you feel the big one like in the 1980's". They were a bit smug but I claimed, in "the Name of Jesus", not to have that experience! I am looking up earthquake safety online... the web site said "BE PREPARED!"
I remember when I last felt scared like this and I immediately want to write my thoughts down. This earthquake experience was no where as bad as Hurricane Maryland which I experienced when I lived in the Caribbean in 1995. The earthquake lasted for 7-10 seconds and Hurricane Maryland lasted for nearly 12 hours. I was living in a condo, which sat on one of the highest hills on the island. My mother begged us to stop for provisions on the way to the condo or to drop her at her place which was safer but we ignored her requests. Soon the rain started... a drizzle then a steady pelt then a deluge.... More rain... Then the wind started howling and whipping... it wouldn't stop! All power went and we sat in the dark because I didn't stop to get batteries.
My brother called and worried about us. "Are you guys safe up there?" ME-"Of course"THE TRUTH-we had no batteries, no matches no water, limited food... I was cocky and unprepared. We manage to sleep a bit then I wake up suddenly. I hear an ominous sound like a freight train rushing at us. We can hear heavy objects being thrown about by the winds... roofs being lifted and carried and crash landing hundreds of feet away. Rain falls like no end and the winds blow even faster. Eventually the glass doors shatter sending shards of glass slicing towards us. I yell for my mom, "Run!" and we take shelter in the bedroom.
We are open to all the elements now. It's cold. We're now ankle deep in water... now it's nearly mid-shin. We struggle to hold the door closed and brace ourselves against the howling attack of the storm. My life literally flashes before my eyes... this can't be happening. I start to cry and my mom has to reassure me. I'm worried about my sister who is riding the storm out in a guest house on stilts that sits on a cliff. I hear her voice all night long... calling out to us. When the storm ends I am totally exhausted but I don't stop praying until my sister finally comes and calls out to us in the same windswept voice I was hearing in my head all night. I was so relieved!
Believe me, I learned my lesson from this and I am always prepared now. Please join me in praying that no natural or man made disaster or anything injurious of any kind can harm us. And of course, we pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
GOD be Praised!!!!!! I just discovered that earthquakes are scarier than forest fires! I'm okay but a bit shaken (lol). I have never seen a building shake this way and it was only a 5.8 on Richter scale. I was listening to gospel music and praying by my front door when it happened... how appropriate because all I could say when it happened was:
First Shake:"Who's jumping upstairs...?"
Second Shake:"Sweet Jesus? Is it....!?" I stand in the doorway just in case (safer? I don't know).
Third Shake and roll:"Sweet Jesus! --This is an earthquake!!!!"
Fourth Shake and sustained roll!!!... loud rumble. The building sways noticeably 2-3 inches to the left and right. I get a surreal feeling...
I scream in my mind, "SWEET JESUS!!!!! HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!" Then I grabbed my passport, purse and keys and grabbed a t-shirt (I've kept all these by my exit since the forest fires) and ran out! I'm on the first floor with 3 stories above me and a 2 level of parking garages below. The building is built on different levels so I am on the ground level on the back of the building. I thought of climbing over my back porch but it was too high so I had to run through a long corridor to an open patio where a few people were gathered. The patio is out in the open but it is still 2 stories up in the front of the building and I wanted out! I walk down the stairs and exit to the outside.
A few people (newly relocated from the east coast and foreigners) were outside waiting to see if there would be any after-shocks. Apparently there has been 27 aftershocks but, thankfully, I didn't feel any. I stayed outside for a while praying just to be sure. I didn't go in until everyone else went back in... including a 3-4 month old baby. I felt like a foolish, faith-less scared cat. The native Californians didn't even evacuate! They said "this is nothing ...wait until you feel the big one like in the 1980's". They were a bit smug but I claimed, in "the Name of Jesus", not to have that experience! I am looking up earthquake safety online... the web site said "BE PREPARED!"
I remember when I last felt scared like this and I immediately want to write my thoughts down. This earthquake experience was no where as bad as Hurricane Maryland which I experienced when I lived in the Caribbean in 1995. The earthquake lasted for 7-10 seconds and Hurricane Maryland lasted for nearly 12 hours. I was living in a condo, which sat on one of the highest hills on the island. My mother begged us to stop for provisions on the way to the condo or to drop her at her place which was safer but we ignored her requests. Soon the rain started... a drizzle then a steady pelt then a deluge.... More rain... Then the wind started howling and whipping... it wouldn't stop! All power went and we sat in the dark because I didn't stop to get batteries.
My brother called and worried about us. "Are you guys safe up there?" ME-"Of course"THE TRUTH-we had no batteries, no matches no water, limited food... I was cocky and unprepared. We manage to sleep a bit then I wake up suddenly. I hear an ominous sound like a freight train rushing at us. We can hear heavy objects being thrown about by the winds... roofs being lifted and carried and crash landing hundreds of feet away. Rain falls like no end and the winds blow even faster. Eventually the glass doors shatter sending shards of glass slicing towards us. I yell for my mom, "Run!" and we take shelter in the bedroom.
We are open to all the elements now. It's cold. We're now ankle deep in water... now it's nearly mid-shin. We struggle to hold the door closed and brace ourselves against the howling attack of the storm. My life literally flashes before my eyes... this can't be happening. I start to cry and my mom has to reassure me. I'm worried about my sister who is riding the storm out in a guest house on stilts that sits on a cliff. I hear her voice all night long... calling out to us. When the storm ends I am totally exhausted but I don't stop praying until my sister finally comes and calls out to us in the same windswept voice I was hearing in my head all night. I was so relieved!
Believe me, I learned my lesson from this and I am always prepared now. Please join me in praying that no natural or man made disaster or anything injurious of any kind can harm us. And of course, we pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Doctor's
March 2008
Last week, after a grueling day in physical therapy, I was strolling down Beverly Blvd. (near Melrose) just window shopping. I passed many quaint boutiques, galleries and restaurants, many of which are the best that Los Angeles has to offer. I was in my element, that is, until I noticed the dismissive response from some snobby staff and patrons. I dismissed them in turn as I was convinced that I know more about art, cuisines and fashion than they ever would but I really don't know what set them off. It could be that I wasn't wearing any Fendi or that my toe nails were not painted the "in color" for this season.
Why is beside the point anyhow, as I've found most people in L.A. are just "fronting". They act like they are someone famous or should be, meanwhile they are just their non-famous selves. They think that if they serve enough celebrity clients their client's celebrity will rub off on them... or at least some of the money. I admit that I was a little hurt so I just prayed about it and I continued on my way. As I took a few steps, a car passes and I get a glimpse of Julia Roberts in the passenger seat... I do a small but polite double take.
It is Julia Roberts! She is looking a bit drab and mousy, minus her mega-watt smile. Her hair wasn't highlighted and she was in a plain brown top that was the same color as her hair. Still, remarkably, she looked very happy and content and had just a slight DaVinci's "Mona Lisa" smile on her face. The driver (her husband?) was making pleasant small talk as they drove along. Then it hit me! That's the secret to making it here and remaining sane and down to earth. Be comfortable in the skin you're in and be happy when or where you are. Even if you're a nobody with no money or even if you're (like Julia Roberts) in a non-descript sedan, stuck in traffic, going to, maybe, a doctor's visit. Why waste time trying to impress anyone or being mean to anyone. I immediately got it and I thank God for the Julia-inspired revelation. I quickly leave the swanky row of shops and walked about 1 block more to a bargain shoe store and a $5 Chinese food place. Now that's my style!
As further proof, my sister e-mailed me some photos of Stars if they lived elsewhere in the U.S. Check it out it's real funny! http://pictures.streakr.com/ohio.htm
I laughed because the photos are so true of the bodies, fashions and experiences that these stars would have, if they were not living in Hollywood. There is great pressure here for stars to confirm to "type" and get extensive plastic surgery, hair extensions and to be incredibly thin.
More adventures from Hollywood coming soon. God Bless!
Update:
March 2009
I was walking the last few blocks to physical therapy a few weeks ago (exactly one year after the above post) and as I was crossing a side street, a large black Audi SUV pulled up to make a turn. The driver was a dark haired lady in her late 20's to early 30's and wearing a stylish black baseball cap. I thought the driver looked a bit familiar but I shrugged it off and continued on my way. My calf muscles were spasming though and I motioned at her to give me a bit more time to cross. She obliged with a polite nod and I limped across to the other side and stepped up to the relative safety of the sidewalk.
I wave a thanks to the driver and walked on for a bit but I felt someone watching me. I looked back to find that the car was still stopped at the intersection though traffic was clear and I noticed that the driver was still starring at me almost like if she felt that I looked familiar to her (or she was mesmerized by my "spasm" walk). Suddenly, I recognized her... it was Kathie Holmes. She stayed starring at me from the intersection for a few moments longer and I almost want to wave to her but I wanted to respect her privacy. She eventually drives on and, as I am late for my appointment, I just prayed for her and continued on also.
I pondered why I didn't recognize her sooner but I realize it's because she looks a bit different from her "pre-marital" days. Still, she did have very kind eyes and I could have sworn she was wearing a small cross on a necklace around her neck. I really pray that this means that she knows the Lord.
Last week, after a grueling day in physical therapy, I was strolling down Beverly Blvd. (near Melrose) just window shopping. I passed many quaint boutiques, galleries and restaurants, many of which are the best that Los Angeles has to offer. I was in my element, that is, until I noticed the dismissive response from some snobby staff and patrons. I dismissed them in turn as I was convinced that I know more about art, cuisines and fashion than they ever would but I really don't know what set them off. It could be that I wasn't wearing any Fendi or that my toe nails were not painted the "in color" for this season.
Why is beside the point anyhow, as I've found most people in L.A. are just "fronting". They act like they are someone famous or should be, meanwhile they are just their non-famous selves. They think that if they serve enough celebrity clients their client's celebrity will rub off on them... or at least some of the money. I admit that I was a little hurt so I just prayed about it and I continued on my way. As I took a few steps, a car passes and I get a glimpse of Julia Roberts in the passenger seat... I do a small but polite double take.
It is Julia Roberts! She is looking a bit drab and mousy, minus her mega-watt smile. Her hair wasn't highlighted and she was in a plain brown top that was the same color as her hair. Still, remarkably, she looked very happy and content and had just a slight DaVinci's "Mona Lisa" smile on her face. The driver (her husband?) was making pleasant small talk as they drove along. Then it hit me! That's the secret to making it here and remaining sane and down to earth. Be comfortable in the skin you're in and be happy when or where you are. Even if you're a nobody with no money or even if you're (like Julia Roberts) in a non-descript sedan, stuck in traffic, going to, maybe, a doctor's visit. Why waste time trying to impress anyone or being mean to anyone. I immediately got it and I thank God for the Julia-inspired revelation. I quickly leave the swanky row of shops and walked about 1 block more to a bargain shoe store and a $5 Chinese food place. Now that's my style!
As further proof, my sister e-mailed me some photos of Stars if they lived elsewhere in the U.S. Check it out it's real funny! http://pictures.streakr.com/ohio.htm
I laughed because the photos are so true of the bodies, fashions and experiences that these stars would have, if they were not living in Hollywood. There is great pressure here for stars to confirm to "type" and get extensive plastic surgery, hair extensions and to be incredibly thin.
More adventures from Hollywood coming soon. God Bless!
Update:
March 2009
I was walking the last few blocks to physical therapy a few weeks ago (exactly one year after the above post) and as I was crossing a side street, a large black Audi SUV pulled up to make a turn. The driver was a dark haired lady in her late 20's to early 30's and wearing a stylish black baseball cap. I thought the driver looked a bit familiar but I shrugged it off and continued on my way. My calf muscles were spasming though and I motioned at her to give me a bit more time to cross. She obliged with a polite nod and I limped across to the other side and stepped up to the relative safety of the sidewalk.
I wave a thanks to the driver and walked on for a bit but I felt someone watching me. I looked back to find that the car was still stopped at the intersection though traffic was clear and I noticed that the driver was still starring at me almost like if she felt that I looked familiar to her (or she was mesmerized by my "spasm" walk). Suddenly, I recognized her... it was Kathie Holmes. She stayed starring at me from the intersection for a few moments longer and I almost want to wave to her but I wanted to respect her privacy. She eventually drives on and, as I am late for my appointment, I just prayed for her and continued on also.
I pondered why I didn't recognize her sooner but I realize it's because she looks a bit different from her "pre-marital" days. Still, she did have very kind eyes and I could have sworn she was wearing a small cross on a necklace around her neck. I really pray that this means that she knows the Lord.
Comic Con 2008
Comic Con 2009 wrapped up this past weekend and the panels seem to be great.
Here are my recollections of Comic Con 2008, which I attended last July.
July 24th 2008
I attended the Great American PitchFest in June 2008 and everyone was talking about it being a comic super-hero year for film alla the success of The Dark Knight and Iron Man, just to name a few. So many of the aspiring writers at PitchFest were planning to attend the Comic Con in San Diego to see what the next industry trends were. Comic Con, as the name implies, is a convention for all things comics including comic books, anime, graphic novels, video games and action figures so normally geeks or rabid fanboys were the majority in attendance. However, this has changed and Hollywood has taken over, thanks to the mass appeal of comic book inspired movies.
Since San Diego is close by, I decided to attend this years convention, with my geek repellent handy of course. I had never been to San Diego either and felt that this was as good a time as any to explore more of California... to see the coast... to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time... all before my first year in L.A. was up.
Wednesday: I decided to go by train and knowing how comic fans are I got to the train station early. Good thing too, as there were already tons of people in line, (mostly guys aged 19-29 but girls were well represented too) and from their t-shirts and conversations they were mostly headed to Comic Con. It was a festive gathering as comic fans munched on snacks and talked about the buzz around the event, as we soaked up our environment. L.A's Union Station train station is a beautiful station done in an art deco mixed with a Spanish style with tiles and lots of Gothic brown wooden furniture. It is a must see if you take a trip out here but as it has practically no A/C make your tour quick.
I got in line and started praying for the line to move quickly... it didn't. After, an hour people were sitting on the floor. After nearly an hour and a half in line and no movement, people started to protest (who knew geeks and nerds had it in 'em?) and an Amtrak official finally came to speak to us. It seems that my adventure started badly as some unfortunate person had thrown themselves under on of the earlier trains. This was the cause of the hours of delay and the ridiculous lines which we had complained about. Why Amtrak didn't tell us the cause of the delay sooner is a mystery to me but we all felt guilty for grousing at someones death delaying us. Still, you can imagine the mad rush, when they finally allowed us to board... like the last loaf of bread during a famine. I wisely stayed out of their way but still got one of the last seats.
Thankfully, the rest of the trip went well. From my window seat, I saw all the towns between the two cities, the baseball park in Anahiem and finally... the mighty Pacific Ocean! The Pacific looked very rough compared to the Atlantic Ocean but quite a few teens and kids were surfing happily. We reached San Diego's train station and debarked. I followed the crowd to the station depot which was across the train platform and over some train tracks. Suddenly and without warning, a train was barrelling towards me. I jumped back and a porter pulled me and showed me the red warning lights, which were not clearly visible. Mindful of the tragedy earlier, I told him that they need better warnings of on-coming trains like big flashing lights and a blearing horn or at least a gated arm that lowers as the train approaches (this suggestion would come back and bite me).
I did a quick visual tour of San Diego's sea line (tall buildings, palm trees and boat tour kiosks)and it's train station (wonderful art deco in bright blue and teal tiles and murals) then I caught a cab. I arrived at the Balboa Inn, a quaint little "bed and breakfast" with painted flower motifs, a lobby full of small figurines and the largest jacuzzi tub ever. I ate some take-out for dinner, soaked in the tub then slept like a baby in the canopied four poster bed. What a lovely place!
Thursday AM: I got up bright and early... no time to site see today. I caught a cab to the Convention center Harbour Drive b/c the Fox panel started at 8:00 am. Again, the lines were ridiculous because of some book for tweens and teen girls which was being made into a movie called Twilight (I later learned to respect the mass of these fans ). I had to pick up my registration badge, which was a pain in the butt. They had us walking blocks to the registration area and even though they had a disability quick check it amounted to no difference in time spent standing or walking.
I finally made it to Hall H only to find out that my registration badge was wrong (typical) so they wanted to send me back to a long line that wrapped around the mile long center full of those 'tween and teen girls in vampire-goth drag who had been there for more than a day. So I had a small well deserved fit and made the supervisors come to mediate. They amended and let me in with the wrong badge but with just a disability stamp added. Lucky too, because Hall H was filling rapidly because it was where all the big star-driven panel events were happening.
Comic Con organizers should be commended though as, once inside, there were lots of accommodations for all kinds of disabilities including sign-language translators for the hearing impaired, visual assistance and front row seating for the visually impaired, as well as accessibility for wheel chair and guide dogs. Unfortunately, many none disabled people were taking the seats and the event security staff had to buckle down. I myself was carded many times after I took a seat in the middle sections but I didn't mind at all.
Over a thousand people are sitting in the room, anxious to see the various panels of Hollywood stars, writers, director and producers. As we wait, the buzz increases to a crescendo and the Twilight girls (and Twilight women) are everywhere! Scheduled to appear on the Hall H panels today are Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Keanu Reeves, Mark Wahlberg aka Marky Mark, Edris Elba, Korean pop sensation Rain and all I am thinking is "beef-cake, beef-cake, beef-cake"(lol). There was even more buzzing energy and loud chatter which was very contagous and I admit that I got pulled into it.
The first panel is for the sci-fi re-make The Day The Earth Stood Still and they hand out black t-shirts with the slogan, "Klaatu barada nikto." in grey across the front as we enter. As I liked the original, I was eager to hear this panel. When better seats opened up closer to the front, I moved up... next to rabid fans with posters of various stars and various people saying things like "If I see him I will just die...". It wasn't just girls, it was adult women. It just wasn't females, it was guys too ("bro-mance"). It wasn't just Americans, it was Canadians, Brits, Scandinavian, Korean and Japanese fans.
We waited a while more and we trade holding seats for each other as we go to and fro' the ladies room. I put on the Klaatu t-shirt as it is absolutely freezing cold in Hall H. I was was second in line to ask a question for the panel about Christianity in movies when suddenly the large 25 feet high black curtains, which surrounded the large hall begin to fall! One by one like falling dominoes, the metal supports collapsed in a circle around the hall. The staff tried to stop it from collapsing but only stopped it mid-way so some people got hit in the head or trapped under the heavy draping. Some of the Twilighters screamed in hysteria and a little panic rippled across the hall. The hysteria subsided a bit but there was a delay of 30 minuets to right everything back up (they used a small crane) and then the panel started.
Suddenly, the entire hall goes black and some people gasp especially so soon after the curtain collapse. There is nothing to fear though... A loud screech of TV static blears through the hall's surround sound speakers and then the large viewing screens light up... we see some scenes...
-Scientists dressed in decon suits aboard a military helicopter... they talk in hushed worried tones... they are taken to a secret military base in New York...
-A man in blue scrubs (Keanu Reeves) is hooked up to a lie-detector monitor and he is being interrogated by military police... the man overpowers them all with mind control and walks out with an eerie calmness...
Our attention moves to the hall's stage, where tables, chairs and placards are set up. The curtains moves aside and Keanu Reeves walks out. The crowd goes crazy as a wave of electricity moves through the audience... A guy yells, "I love you, man... you rock! Wow, Comic Con has officially started!
The highlights: Keanu Reeves knows how to open a show. Mila Kunis is "pinch her checks" cute, Mark Wahlberg has grit. Hugh Jackman nearly started a riot when he jumped into the audience during the Wolverine panel. A few women started grabbing on him but he was pumped to introduce us to the original writer or the X-men comics sitting in the crowd. From the Rock-a-Rolla panel: Gerard Butler is a shameless flirt (he threw chocolate kisses into the crowd, talked dirty= an "F" word a minute). Eddris Elba's British accent and his gentle manliness is contagious. Ludacris has a big fan base ("go Luda!") and I think Guy Richie made a joking reference to his impending split from Madonna. Joel Silver is a hoot. He did two panels and introduced his new company Dark Castle. From the Return To Witch Mountain panel: The Rock is more than just muscles and he showed his ability to handle awkward questions from devoted (read desperate or crazed) female fans.
We saw trailers from the new Tron movie with Jeff Bridges re-digitalized with CGI which was awesome then we watched an animated Hulk movie. There were 3 or 4 more panels left but I had had my fill. I walked through the convention floor and played video games and sang karaoke. Then I spotted Geoff Darrow of The Matrix fame (he drew the story boards for the movie) and I got him to sign a few of his comics that I bought. I walked through the convention center passed people in costumes and role-playing with painted faces. I exited the convention center with a group of hundreds of people looking for something to eat. As we walked across another set of train tracks, a gate starts to lower and bells ring. The people in front of us move back at the last minute as a train approaches and I narrowly escape being hit on the had by the gate arm.
The rickshaw like taxis charge too much, so I walk up to a nice area with shops and restaurants. I sight-see a bit then it is nearly 5 PM. I decide to have dinner there and then head back by cab to my hotel for another soak and a good night's sleep.
Friday: I check out of the inn and catch a cab to the harbour. I buy a ticket for a sight-seeing tour by boat and I get to see all the sites from the ocean. San Diego's skyline is beautiful and I even got to see some happy dolphins and seals. I think I like San Diego! I get back to the train station a few blocks away and cross the train tracks very carefully. I board the train and head back to L.A. What an experience!
God is great!!!!!!!
Here are my recollections of Comic Con 2008, which I attended last July.
July 24th 2008
I attended the Great American PitchFest in June 2008 and everyone was talking about it being a comic super-hero year for film alla the success of The Dark Knight and Iron Man, just to name a few. So many of the aspiring writers at PitchFest were planning to attend the Comic Con in San Diego to see what the next industry trends were. Comic Con, as the name implies, is a convention for all things comics including comic books, anime, graphic novels, video games and action figures so normally geeks or rabid fanboys were the majority in attendance. However, this has changed and Hollywood has taken over, thanks to the mass appeal of comic book inspired movies.
Since San Diego is close by, I decided to attend this years convention, with my geek repellent handy of course. I had never been to San Diego either and felt that this was as good a time as any to explore more of California... to see the coast... to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time... all before my first year in L.A. was up.
Wednesday: I decided to go by train and knowing how comic fans are I got to the train station early. Good thing too, as there were already tons of people in line, (mostly guys aged 19-29 but girls were well represented too) and from their t-shirts and conversations they were mostly headed to Comic Con. It was a festive gathering as comic fans munched on snacks and talked about the buzz around the event, as we soaked up our environment. L.A's Union Station train station is a beautiful station done in an art deco mixed with a Spanish style with tiles and lots of Gothic brown wooden furniture. It is a must see if you take a trip out here but as it has practically no A/C make your tour quick.
I got in line and started praying for the line to move quickly... it didn't. After, an hour people were sitting on the floor. After nearly an hour and a half in line and no movement, people started to protest (who knew geeks and nerds had it in 'em?) and an Amtrak official finally came to speak to us. It seems that my adventure started badly as some unfortunate person had thrown themselves under on of the earlier trains. This was the cause of the hours of delay and the ridiculous lines which we had complained about. Why Amtrak didn't tell us the cause of the delay sooner is a mystery to me but we all felt guilty for grousing at someones death delaying us. Still, you can imagine the mad rush, when they finally allowed us to board... like the last loaf of bread during a famine. I wisely stayed out of their way but still got one of the last seats.
Thankfully, the rest of the trip went well. From my window seat, I saw all the towns between the two cities, the baseball park in Anahiem and finally... the mighty Pacific Ocean! The Pacific looked very rough compared to the Atlantic Ocean but quite a few teens and kids were surfing happily. We reached San Diego's train station and debarked. I followed the crowd to the station depot which was across the train platform and over some train tracks. Suddenly and without warning, a train was barrelling towards me. I jumped back and a porter pulled me and showed me the red warning lights, which were not clearly visible. Mindful of the tragedy earlier, I told him that they need better warnings of on-coming trains like big flashing lights and a blearing horn or at least a gated arm that lowers as the train approaches (this suggestion would come back and bite me).
I did a quick visual tour of San Diego's sea line (tall buildings, palm trees and boat tour kiosks)and it's train station (wonderful art deco in bright blue and teal tiles and murals) then I caught a cab. I arrived at the Balboa Inn, a quaint little "bed and breakfast" with painted flower motifs, a lobby full of small figurines and the largest jacuzzi tub ever. I ate some take-out for dinner, soaked in the tub then slept like a baby in the canopied four poster bed. What a lovely place!
Thursday AM: I got up bright and early... no time to site see today. I caught a cab to the Convention center Harbour Drive b/c the Fox panel started at 8:00 am. Again, the lines were ridiculous because of some book for tweens and teen girls which was being made into a movie called Twilight (I later learned to respect the mass of these fans ). I had to pick up my registration badge, which was a pain in the butt. They had us walking blocks to the registration area and even though they had a disability quick check it amounted to no difference in time spent standing or walking.
I finally made it to Hall H only to find out that my registration badge was wrong (typical) so they wanted to send me back to a long line that wrapped around the mile long center full of those 'tween and teen girls in vampire-goth drag who had been there for more than a day. So I had a small well deserved fit and made the supervisors come to mediate. They amended and let me in with the wrong badge but with just a disability stamp added. Lucky too, because Hall H was filling rapidly because it was where all the big star-driven panel events were happening.
Comic Con organizers should be commended though as, once inside, there were lots of accommodations for all kinds of disabilities including sign-language translators for the hearing impaired, visual assistance and front row seating for the visually impaired, as well as accessibility for wheel chair and guide dogs. Unfortunately, many none disabled people were taking the seats and the event security staff had to buckle down. I myself was carded many times after I took a seat in the middle sections but I didn't mind at all.
Over a thousand people are sitting in the room, anxious to see the various panels of Hollywood stars, writers, director and producers. As we wait, the buzz increases to a crescendo and the Twilight girls (and Twilight women) are everywhere! Scheduled to appear on the Hall H panels today are Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Keanu Reeves, Mark Wahlberg aka Marky Mark, Edris Elba, Korean pop sensation Rain and all I am thinking is "beef-cake, beef-cake, beef-cake"(lol). There was even more buzzing energy and loud chatter which was very contagous and I admit that I got pulled into it.
The first panel is for the sci-fi re-make The Day The Earth Stood Still and they hand out black t-shirts with the slogan, "Klaatu barada nikto." in grey across the front as we enter. As I liked the original, I was eager to hear this panel. When better seats opened up closer to the front, I moved up... next to rabid fans with posters of various stars and various people saying things like "If I see him I will just die...". It wasn't just girls, it was adult women. It just wasn't females, it was guys too ("bro-mance"). It wasn't just Americans, it was Canadians, Brits, Scandinavian, Korean and Japanese fans.
We waited a while more and we trade holding seats for each other as we go to and fro' the ladies room. I put on the Klaatu t-shirt as it is absolutely freezing cold in Hall H. I was was second in line to ask a question for the panel about Christianity in movies when suddenly the large 25 feet high black curtains, which surrounded the large hall begin to fall! One by one like falling dominoes, the metal supports collapsed in a circle around the hall. The staff tried to stop it from collapsing but only stopped it mid-way so some people got hit in the head or trapped under the heavy draping. Some of the Twilighters screamed in hysteria and a little panic rippled across the hall. The hysteria subsided a bit but there was a delay of 30 minuets to right everything back up (they used a small crane) and then the panel started.
Suddenly, the entire hall goes black and some people gasp especially so soon after the curtain collapse. There is nothing to fear though... A loud screech of TV static blears through the hall's surround sound speakers and then the large viewing screens light up... we see some scenes...
-Scientists dressed in decon suits aboard a military helicopter... they talk in hushed worried tones... they are taken to a secret military base in New York...
-A man in blue scrubs (Keanu Reeves) is hooked up to a lie-detector monitor and he is being interrogated by military police... the man overpowers them all with mind control and walks out with an eerie calmness...
Our attention moves to the hall's stage, where tables, chairs and placards are set up. The curtains moves aside and Keanu Reeves walks out. The crowd goes crazy as a wave of electricity moves through the audience... A guy yells, "I love you, man... you rock! Wow, Comic Con has officially started!
The highlights: Keanu Reeves knows how to open a show. Mila Kunis is "pinch her checks" cute, Mark Wahlberg has grit. Hugh Jackman nearly started a riot when he jumped into the audience during the Wolverine panel. A few women started grabbing on him but he was pumped to introduce us to the original writer or the X-men comics sitting in the crowd. From the Rock-a-Rolla panel: Gerard Butler is a shameless flirt (he threw chocolate kisses into the crowd, talked dirty= an "F" word a minute). Eddris Elba's British accent and his gentle manliness is contagious. Ludacris has a big fan base ("go Luda!") and I think Guy Richie made a joking reference to his impending split from Madonna. Joel Silver is a hoot. He did two panels and introduced his new company Dark Castle. From the Return To Witch Mountain panel: The Rock is more than just muscles and he showed his ability to handle awkward questions from devoted (read desperate or crazed) female fans.
We saw trailers from the new Tron movie with Jeff Bridges re-digitalized with CGI which was awesome then we watched an animated Hulk movie. There were 3 or 4 more panels left but I had had my fill. I walked through the convention floor and played video games and sang karaoke. Then I spotted Geoff Darrow of The Matrix fame (he drew the story boards for the movie) and I got him to sign a few of his comics that I bought. I walked through the convention center passed people in costumes and role-playing with painted faces. I exited the convention center with a group of hundreds of people looking for something to eat. As we walked across another set of train tracks, a gate starts to lower and bells ring. The people in front of us move back at the last minute as a train approaches and I narrowly escape being hit on the had by the gate arm.
The rickshaw like taxis charge too much, so I walk up to a nice area with shops and restaurants. I sight-see a bit then it is nearly 5 PM. I decide to have dinner there and then head back by cab to my hotel for another soak and a good night's sleep.
Friday: I check out of the inn and catch a cab to the harbour. I buy a ticket for a sight-seeing tour by boat and I get to see all the sites from the ocean. San Diego's skyline is beautiful and I even got to see some happy dolphins and seals. I think I like San Diego! I get back to the train station a few blocks away and cross the train tracks very carefully. I board the train and head back to L.A. What an experience!
God is great!!!!!!!
The Oscars
February 2008
I attend the week long activities at the building on Wilshire Blvd. including the nominated animated and live shorts and the make-up and costume symposium. I held a real Oscar (it's really heavy) and walked a fake red carpet complete with photographers and fans cheering and calling my name at the Kodak Theater. I even walked the real red carpet (well kinda).
Sunday I headed down to Hollywood Blvd. and it was a large crowd. Luckily b/c it was cold and drizzling the crowd thinned and I got right to the front. I saw Katherine Heigel in a red gown and George Clooney's head and Nicole Kidman when she pulled up last.
I attend the week long activities at the building on Wilshire Blvd. including the nominated animated and live shorts and the make-up and costume symposium. I held a real Oscar (it's really heavy) and walked a fake red carpet complete with photographers and fans cheering and calling my name at the Kodak Theater. I even walked the real red carpet (well kinda).
Sunday I headed down to Hollywood Blvd. and it was a large crowd. Luckily b/c it was cold and drizzling the crowd thinned and I got right to the front. I saw Katherine Heigel in a red gown and George Clooney's head and Nicole Kidman when she pulled up last.
Movie Premieres
November 2007
I got to attend the Lions to Lambs premiere at the Arclight Theater on November 4th, 2007. The tickets were on sale for $75 and I felt it was worth it to see some screen legends. The movie stars Robert Redford, Merryl Streep, Tom Cruise and Derek Luke and flashbulbs flashed as they walked the red carpet. It was a very nice affair and every one was dressed to impress. It was very nice to be an insider and I had a very good seat. They introduced the stars before the film and they all came on stage. Meryl Streep has a lovely way about her, Robert Redford looks very stately and Tom Cruise was very energetic (jumped on stage)... he is a very petite man and I think this has affected him.
The after party is at Social on Sunset Blvd. I hang out with Derek Luke's mom and brother but I don't see any of the other stars from the movie. The food is exceptional and they have an intimate dance floor and played good club music.
April 2008
I want to attend The Street Kings movie premiere scheduled for Thursday April 3rd at Graumann's Chinese Theater but I want to attend for free. The movie stars Oscar Award winner Keanu Reeves, Oscar-winner Forrest Whitaker, Cedric the Entertainer, Hugh Laurie(from the TV show House), Chris Evans and the rapper, Common. The movie looks a bit violent but I think I'll still enjoy it. I cold call Fox Searchlight studios for free premiere tickets and they refer me to Power 106 FM radio station in Burbank. I dropped by the station and was able to get 2 tickets and boy was I happy. There is an after-party also but I don't have any info on how to get those tickets. They recommend that you come before 5:00 p.m. to see the stars arrive and to get seated early. I don't know what the crowd will be like so I decide to be there early.
I went to Hollywood Blvd early for the movie premiere but there are tons of people there and more arriving every hour. I had a chair to sit in but but my back was still hurting terribly. I got concerned that I wouldn't get into the theater but not only did I get to see the red carpet arrivals of top stars, I got into the theater, and got the best seat in the house. I was seated in the group with the studio people behind Keanu Reeves. Even more amazing is that before the movie started he kept walking around about two feet from me.
After the premiere, I was leaving and I was just happy that I believed God and that I had had another real Hollywood insider moment. Then I met 2 female tourist and they asked me about the premiere and I answered them quite happily. As I was leaving they handed me an entry pass to the movie's after-party. These after-party tickets were impossible to get and I nearly had a Hallelujah moment! They said that I was so nice to them and as they were not dressed for the premiere that they would rather that I took it. I accepted the ticket and left them thinking "Lord, your angels are so-o-o nice!"
I walked the few blocks to the party which was at Elements night club in the "happening" part of L.A.'s club scene. I changed into my cute shoes and stepped out with confidence. As I walked up to the entrance, many people were outside being prevented from entering by the bouncers and to the surprise of many, with my pass, I walked right in. Inside was filled with many industry people munching on h'dourves. Unfortunately some of the young women there wore practically no clothing on were plastic looking. It was apparent that these women wanted to be "discovered" or to get with someone rich and famous from the movie industry... the poor dears.
The food was a bit pretentious but the music was good so I just walked around for a while enjoying being out on the town for the first time in months. I met Chris Evans and complimented him on his acting in the movie. He was so nice and down-to-earth and thanked me for my compliment. I went to the outside patio for fresh air but it was filled with tobacco smoke. After I caught my breath, I turned around and went back inside fearful that my asthma might kick up. I waited half an hour until the smoke cleared and went back to the patio. I had my inhaler but I resisted pulling it out of my bag. Miraculously, all the smoke had cleared and I was able to breathe easily.
The other actors were on the patio including .... Harris (from Pirates of the Caribbean). She is very thin and I didn't see her eat a thing the whole time. I walked around some more and just observed everything including the large crowd that swarmed around Mr. Reeves. During my wait in the line earlier, I had handed out my extra premiere tickets to a few people. One women, who claimed to be his biggest fan, was so happy to get a ticket that she hyper-ventilated and acted near hysterical. I immediately regretted giving her a ticket and I made her promise not get within 20 feet of the star. Now people were literally posturing themselves to be next to him, to take a picture, to touch him or talk to him. Don't worry though... he had two big body guards around him all night. He was very nice to these fans but he looked a bit uncomfortable with all the attention. Mostly he talked to friends and studio people.
I get ready to leave but a group of crazy paparazzi and autograph seekers are at the front. I have to push my way through them and I wait on the corner for my cab. Large black stretch limos pull up and catering trucks block my view and I don't see my cab when it comes. I had to call a cab two more times and wait outside for nearly another hour with the crazy paparazzi. The stars pull a fast one and send a decoy limo out front while they exit out a back entrance. I finally get in my cab and head to my sane, quiet and happy home. I'm very thankful that I experienced the premiere but I'm very glad that I'm not a star or a famous person.
Summer 2008
June 2008
I attended the Speed Racer premiere at the Nokia Theater in June. I didn't have a ticket but I went any way and asked people for extras. There were a lots of children there from schools and summer programs and I was able to get an extra ticket. While I was waiting to get in Joel Silver (producer for The Matrix) walks right up... seems I'm standing next to his former nanny's husband.
I get in and they are handing out every tooth-rotting treat possible. My seat is up on the top balcony level and my back hurts just thinking how I will get up there. I ask for them to change my seat and they put me in the lowest level to the left of the stage. The movie starts and the kids really enjoy it but I didn't enjoy it as much. The movie ends and the theater quickly empties out except for me and a small crowd to my right. I need a moment for sensation to return to my leg then they usher me out with the crowd. I realize the crowd is full of production people who worked on the movie. As we get out near the elevators, I realize the crowd includes the movie's directors, Andy and Larry Wachoski, famed writers/directors of The Matrix. Soon I am caught up in the crush of the crowd and pinned up next to Andy Wachoski's large frame (he must easily be 6'4" and 250 lbs.). I am unable to move but I am extremely happy as The Matrix is my all time favorite movie and I think these guys are geniuses
July 2008
I was curb-side for the Iron Man premiere and saw very one from Jack Black, Ben Stiller (co-stars Tropic Thunder), Vince Vaughn (6'6" pal of Jon Favreau), John Voight and Stan Lee (of Marvel Comics fame) as well as the stars from the movie: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwenth Paltrow and the director, Jon Favreau (he's lost a lot of weight). They had 12 Audi sports car driving in laps around the block each with "iron man" license plates and the crowd was pumped. I can not wait to see this movie!
I got to attend the Lions to Lambs premiere at the Arclight Theater on November 4th, 2007. The tickets were on sale for $75 and I felt it was worth it to see some screen legends. The movie stars Robert Redford, Merryl Streep, Tom Cruise and Derek Luke and flashbulbs flashed as they walked the red carpet. It was a very nice affair and every one was dressed to impress. It was very nice to be an insider and I had a very good seat. They introduced the stars before the film and they all came on stage. Meryl Streep has a lovely way about her, Robert Redford looks very stately and Tom Cruise was very energetic (jumped on stage)... he is a very petite man and I think this has affected him.
The after party is at Social on Sunset Blvd. I hang out with Derek Luke's mom and brother but I don't see any of the other stars from the movie. The food is exceptional and they have an intimate dance floor and played good club music.
April 2008
I want to attend The Street Kings movie premiere scheduled for Thursday April 3rd at Graumann's Chinese Theater but I want to attend for free. The movie stars Oscar Award winner Keanu Reeves, Oscar-winner Forrest Whitaker, Cedric the Entertainer, Hugh Laurie(from the TV show House), Chris Evans and the rapper, Common. The movie looks a bit violent but I think I'll still enjoy it. I cold call Fox Searchlight studios for free premiere tickets and they refer me to Power 106 FM radio station in Burbank. I dropped by the station and was able to get 2 tickets and boy was I happy. There is an after-party also but I don't have any info on how to get those tickets. They recommend that you come before 5:00 p.m. to see the stars arrive and to get seated early. I don't know what the crowd will be like so I decide to be there early.
I went to Hollywood Blvd early for the movie premiere but there are tons of people there and more arriving every hour. I had a chair to sit in but but my back was still hurting terribly. I got concerned that I wouldn't get into the theater but not only did I get to see the red carpet arrivals of top stars, I got into the theater, and got the best seat in the house. I was seated in the group with the studio people behind Keanu Reeves. Even more amazing is that before the movie started he kept walking around about two feet from me.
After the premiere, I was leaving and I was just happy that I believed God and that I had had another real Hollywood insider moment. Then I met 2 female tourist and they asked me about the premiere and I answered them quite happily. As I was leaving they handed me an entry pass to the movie's after-party. These after-party tickets were impossible to get and I nearly had a Hallelujah moment! They said that I was so nice to them and as they were not dressed for the premiere that they would rather that I took it. I accepted the ticket and left them thinking "Lord, your angels are so-o-o nice!"
I walked the few blocks to the party which was at Elements night club in the "happening" part of L.A.'s club scene. I changed into my cute shoes and stepped out with confidence. As I walked up to the entrance, many people were outside being prevented from entering by the bouncers and to the surprise of many, with my pass, I walked right in. Inside was filled with many industry people munching on h'dourves. Unfortunately some of the young women there wore practically no clothing on were plastic looking. It was apparent that these women wanted to be "discovered" or to get with someone rich and famous from the movie industry... the poor dears.
The food was a bit pretentious but the music was good so I just walked around for a while enjoying being out on the town for the first time in months. I met Chris Evans and complimented him on his acting in the movie. He was so nice and down-to-earth and thanked me for my compliment. I went to the outside patio for fresh air but it was filled with tobacco smoke. After I caught my breath, I turned around and went back inside fearful that my asthma might kick up. I waited half an hour until the smoke cleared and went back to the patio. I had my inhaler but I resisted pulling it out of my bag. Miraculously, all the smoke had cleared and I was able to breathe easily.
The other actors were on the patio including .... Harris (from Pirates of the Caribbean). She is very thin and I didn't see her eat a thing the whole time. I walked around some more and just observed everything including the large crowd that swarmed around Mr. Reeves. During my wait in the line earlier, I had handed out my extra premiere tickets to a few people. One women, who claimed to be his biggest fan, was so happy to get a ticket that she hyper-ventilated and acted near hysterical. I immediately regretted giving her a ticket and I made her promise not get within 20 feet of the star. Now people were literally posturing themselves to be next to him, to take a picture, to touch him or talk to him. Don't worry though... he had two big body guards around him all night. He was very nice to these fans but he looked a bit uncomfortable with all the attention. Mostly he talked to friends and studio people.
I get ready to leave but a group of crazy paparazzi and autograph seekers are at the front. I have to push my way through them and I wait on the corner for my cab. Large black stretch limos pull up and catering trucks block my view and I don't see my cab when it comes. I had to call a cab two more times and wait outside for nearly another hour with the crazy paparazzi. The stars pull a fast one and send a decoy limo out front while they exit out a back entrance. I finally get in my cab and head to my sane, quiet and happy home. I'm very thankful that I experienced the premiere but I'm very glad that I'm not a star or a famous person.
Summer 2008
June 2008
I attended the Speed Racer premiere at the Nokia Theater in June. I didn't have a ticket but I went any way and asked people for extras. There were a lots of children there from schools and summer programs and I was able to get an extra ticket. While I was waiting to get in Joel Silver (producer for The Matrix) walks right up... seems I'm standing next to his former nanny's husband.
I get in and they are handing out every tooth-rotting treat possible. My seat is up on the top balcony level and my back hurts just thinking how I will get up there. I ask for them to change my seat and they put me in the lowest level to the left of the stage. The movie starts and the kids really enjoy it but I didn't enjoy it as much. The movie ends and the theater quickly empties out except for me and a small crowd to my right. I need a moment for sensation to return to my leg then they usher me out with the crowd. I realize the crowd is full of production people who worked on the movie. As we get out near the elevators, I realize the crowd includes the movie's directors, Andy and Larry Wachoski, famed writers/directors of The Matrix. Soon I am caught up in the crush of the crowd and pinned up next to Andy Wachoski's large frame (he must easily be 6'4" and 250 lbs.). I am unable to move but I am extremely happy as The Matrix is my all time favorite movie and I think these guys are geniuses
July 2008
I was curb-side for the Iron Man premiere and saw very one from Jack Black, Ben Stiller (co-stars Tropic Thunder), Vince Vaughn (6'6" pal of Jon Favreau), John Voight and Stan Lee (of Marvel Comics fame) as well as the stars from the movie: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwenth Paltrow and the director, Jon Favreau (he's lost a lot of weight). They had 12 Audi sports car driving in laps around the block each with "iron man" license plates and the crowd was pumped. I can not wait to see this movie!
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